Chelsea have seen off some serious competition for Lionel Messi (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have moved a step closer to signing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi after two of their main rivals for a deal pulled out.

The Blues are among the front-runners to sign Messi, who looks increasingly likely to be departing Barca in the coming months, with his agent and father hinting a switch.

Manchester City were also in the hunt, but Manuel Pellegrini has now denied interest, calling the talk ‘rumours’, while Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has also ruled out a move, telling reporters he wants Messi to ‘stay at Barca for life’.

Both City and Bayern were seen as Chelsea’s main rivals to a deal, but Chelsea are now clear to go and sign the £200million man without that competition.